Is it possible to take the written portions of the exam on a laptop computer?:

Yes. All applicants who seek to take the exam on a laptop will be able to do so if they follow the procedures set out on the website and meet the laptop registration deadline.

Are past exam questions and sample answers available?:

Sample or model answers are not available, but past essay questions are available--either in hard copy form from the board's office for a fee, or from George Mason University Law School's website (no charge) here.

How is the exam scored?:

Essays are weighted at 60% of overall score; the MBE is weighted at 40%.

Statistics

What was the first-time taker pass rate for the most recent July bar exam? :

July 2012: 79%; July 2011: 81%

What was the overall pass rate for all takers of the most recent July bar exam?:

July 2012: 74%; July 2011: 76%

Reciprocity

Can MBE scores be transferred from other jurisdictions?:

No

Can applicants already admitted in another state gain admission without taking the bar exam?:

Yes, but only if they have practiced law for five of the last seven years and are admitted in a state that grants Virginia lawyers reciprocity. This means, for example, that Maryland lawyers would not qualify, as Maryland requires Virginia and other out-of-state lawyers to take an attorney's exam.